Abstract
Numerical and experimental studies have been made concerning an increase of the effective discharge current for the plasma focus from a bank of constant energy. From the higher discharge current an increased neutron yield is expected. Experimentally an 85 kV/12 kJ device with a current rise time of 600 ns was investigated. The obtained neutron yield was larger by a factor of 3 compared to devices of equal energy but low voltage. The geometrical and pressure variations necessary for optimization, are discussed. Using MHD-calculations and impedance considerations, various banks, including those with high voltage and low inductance, are compared with respect to plasma data and discharge current.